CentennialvsSouthern Star

Centennial and Southern Star are popular dual purpose hops. Below you'll find a comparison of alpha and beta acids, aroma profiles and oil composition.

Centennial

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

7–12%

Beta acid

3.5–5.5%

Total oil

1–3 mL

United States

Southern Star

Dual purpose

Alpha acid

12–18.6%

Beta acid

4–7.5%

Total oil

1.4–1.7 mL

South Africa

Key differences

When to pick Centennial

  • More essential oils - more intense aroma
  • More myrcene - pronounced citrus and resinous notes

When to pick Southern Star

  • Higher alpha acid - stronger bittering
  • Higher beta acid - smoother, longer-lasting bitterness
  • Richer, more complex aroma profile

Aroma profile and use

Shared aromas

CitrusFloralTangerine

Only in Centennial

PineGrapefruit

Only in Southern Star

QuinceBerryPineappleTropicalPassion fruitPearCassisRoseOrangeCoffee

Property

PropertyCentennialSouthern Star
Alpha acid7–12%12–18.6%
Beta acid3.5–5.5%4–7.5%
Co-humulone23–30%25–31%
Total oil1–3 mL1.4–1.7 mL
Myrcene55–65%32–38%
Humulene10–20%23–27%
Caryophyllene5–7%10–14%
Farnesene0–1%8–12%
OriginUnited StatesSouth Africa
PurposeDual purposeDual purpose

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